Readers answers: What did you think of the Oscars?

I was rooting for any of my three favorites: “Captain Phillips,” “Nebraska” and “Philomena.” The winners deserved the honor. We are all aware of issues that reflect the world we live in and the movies make it visual and real — right there on the big screen, really in our faces. We need to learn tolerance and sensitivity. Movies are a great learning tool.

Ellen DeGeneres was brilliant. She hosted with wit, humor, charisma and kept it clean. She brought the Oscar ceremony to a new level. The pizza and Twitter photo were entertaining. Only Ellen can do something like that. She is loved and respected. Everyone knows Ellen! She should host more often. We don’t need a younger host.

The show was perfect. I don’t think changing it would make it better — even the annoying members of the media asking “Who are you wearing?” makes the show what it is. It’s all part of the package.

— Lilia Sarosy, West Covina

A shameful awards show

Previous Oscar shows and a few enlightening films notwithstanding, the 2014 Academy Awards show was an outstanding graphic display of the entertainment industry rewarding themselves and promoting the liberal/progressive social, political and economic agenda to the viewing public.

Talented acting and good films are rare, overshadowed by the selfish interests of celebrities and the extended bubble of Hollywood clouded by overwhelming numbers of crash-action trash movies, re-imagined and blatant reconstruction of history, science fiction, and walking dead/vampire/blood-and-guts monster movies without any redeeming value.

Quality animated movies and “Gravity” did most to save the season. Even Ellen would have done well entertaining the Oscar and television crowd with her wit and the pizza bit if it were not for her vain and cruel act of attacking Liza Minnelli as a man impersonating “Dorothy’s” daughter. All things considered — even with a celebrity-obsessed society — the Academy Awards were little more than a shame.

— Daniel B. Jeffs, Apple Valley

Leto’s speech a highlight

Jared Leto thanked his mom and it was atypical of most “Thank you, Mom” speeches. He explained how a young, single mom raised her kids. She did it with hardship, friendship and unconditional love.

I cried, as I’m guessing many moms in the audience and in TV land did. When your child is so deeply grateful to you and your parenting skills, there’s no greater feeling in the world.

Mr. Leto was genuine and sweet when talking about his mom. It was the most sincere Oscar speech I’ve heard in years. It was truly a highlight.

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— Denise Marovich-Sampson, San Pedro

Enjoyed this year’s Oscars

Having watched Academy Award telecasts from the time of Bob Hope as host, I liked Ellen DeGeneres and the fresh and original stunts of the selfie and pizza delivery. I also liked the new hair and make-up category, but really miss the category of “casting,” which has yet to be named. The Oscar rightfully went to “Dallas Buyers Club” for the beautiful make-up that transformed Jared Leto into a female knockout.

I’m glad “12 Years a Slave” won over “Gravity,” which deserved its technical awards, but as a filmgoer left me cold and unmoved. I’m also glad that “12 Years a Slave” will soon be out on DVD so I can leave the room during the rape and torture scenes.

My favorite film was “Saving Mr. Banks” and was sure nominations would be given to Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks for their splendid work. The best film was “Blue Jasmine.”

— Beth R. Temkin, Panorama City

Oscars were boring

Ho-hum and a big yawn!

— Robin G. Mitchell, Torrance

McConaughey’s moment

Matthew McConaughey thanking God was monumental. Ellen was funny as always. Recorded the “Frozen” song, “Let it go, let it go!” and napped.

— Tressy Capps, Fontana

No ‘Thank You’ speeches

Since I’m a member of the Professional Dancers’ Society, I found the program devoid of splashy, glittering Hollywood hoofing! “Happy” was the one exception. We sorely needed both production numbers and backup for the singers. We have thousands of dancers languishing in Los Angeles. Is it only Broadway that knows how to “Let Me Entertain You”?

Of equal importance is the proliferation of “Thank you” ad nauseam. It should be disallowed. We are honoring actors, artists, writers, directors, producers; are we to believe these talented people cannot address their art and must publicly acknowledge their babies, their brothers and benumb their audience? This is boring. If the honorees don’t know how to make a meaningful speech, get script writers to help them.